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Renteria knows Rizzo's power will show

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Outlook: Rizzo, 1B, CHC 0:38

Rizzo's 2013 season has been viewed commonly as a step backward -- he hit .233, but a closer look reveals some signs for optimism

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

MESA, Ariz. -- Anthony Rizzo did not hit a single home run last spring, then belted 23 during the regular season. Does Cubs manager Rick Renteria need to see the first baseman connect to know if Rizzo is ready for the season?

"No, I know he's got power," Renteria said Sunday. "Once you start to get into the flow of the game and you're swinging the bat well, a gentlemen like 'Riz' who has pop, those come."

Last spring, Rizzo batted .229, and so far this year, he's 7-for-16 (.438) with two doubles and a triple.

"I actually don't use the [Spring Training] stats as much as you might think," Renteria said. "I'm more concerned with the approaches they're having at the plate. One thing we want him to do is focus on his strength, which is the left-center-field gap. His approach has been working, and I think it's a conscious effort."